My Journey with Lupus and a Plea for Hope

Hello, my name is Kim White. I’m originally from Bradenton,

Florida, and now reside in Dallas, Texas. I am a proud member of

Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, where I actively serve in missions and

outreach. I’m also a retired educator who enjoys participating in

short-term mission trips.

My Diagnosis

At the age of 15, I began noticing unusual changes in my body, persistent rashes that wouldn’t heal and pain in my knees whenever I bent down to open my locker at school. My mother, concerned about skin issues, urged me to see a doctor. After several tests and evaluations, I was diagnosed with Lupus Erythematosus, a chronic autoimmune disease with no known cure. This condition can inflame various organs in the body and, in severe cases, lead to immune deficiency or even death.

Though the diagnosis was serious, it was not a death sentence. I was only 15, scared but not defeated. Now, at 54, I’m still on this journey, continuing to trust God even when my body reacts in unpredictable ways. The disease has attacked my brain at times, leading to periods when I could not drive. Losing the ability to drive felt like losing my independence, but during those seasons, God reminded me that “a friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

Through these challenges, I came to understand the true beauty of community. God had a plan for my life, and still does. Friends stepped in to drive me, becoming the hands and feet of Jesus when I needed them the most.

A New Chapter

Now, my journey has taken another turn. My kidneys are no longer functioning on their own, and a transplant is the best option for improving my quality of life. So, I am humbly turning to my community once again for help.

I know it’s a huge request, but I’m hoping someone might be willing to consider becoming a living donor, a “kidney buddie,” as I like to say. If you are open to learning more about the donor process or feel led to share my story with others, I would be deeply grateful. Even if you can’t donate, perhaps someone you know can.

For more information, please feel free to contact me directly at (214) [phone redacted] or visit livingdonordallas.org. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. With hope and faith, I continue walking this journey, trusting that help, and healing, are still ahead.